U.S. Rice OPutput Slipping 2%

WASHINGTON - Aug 10/07 - SNS --Rice production is forecast at 190 million cwt, down 2% from last year and down 15% from 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Area for harvest is expected to total 2.73 million acres, unchanged from June but down 3% from last year. Rice planted area, at 2.74 million acres, is also unchanged from the June estimate. The U.S. yield is forecast at 6,984 pounds per acre, up 116 pounds from last year. If realized, this will surpass the previous record high yield of 6,942 pounds per acre set in 2004.

A record high yield of 7,100 pounds per acre is expected in Mississippi, while in Louisiana, the expected yield of 5,900 pounds per acre would tie the record high. The yield in Arkansas is forecast at 6,950 pounds per acre, which if realized, will be the second highest yield on record. In the last decade, a steady increase in rice yields has taken place, due to improved cropping practices and the introduction of higher yielding varieties.

As of July 29, heading of the crop in Louisiana, at 83%, was slightly behind the 5-year average of 84%. In the other rice producing States, crop development was at or ahead of normal. Crop condition was rated 74% good to excellent across the rice producing States, up substantially from the 58% good to excellent at the same time a year ago.

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